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How to Host a Cobblemon / Pixelmon Server (Pokémon in Minecraft)
Both Cobblemon and Pixelmon bring Pokémon into Minecraft, but they're built differently and host differently. Cobblemon is the newer Fabric-first mod; Pixelmon is the long-running Forge one. Pick the right RAM and loader and either runs great. Here's the full breakdown.
Cobblemon vs Pixelmon — which are you hosting?
They're separate mods with separate servers — you don't run both at once. The main practical differences for a host are the loader, the weight, and how the pack is put together.
| Cobblemon | Pixelmon | |
|---|---|---|
| Loader | Fabric (also NeoForge builds) | Forge |
| Weight | Lighter, modern | Heavier, lots of content |
| Typical use | Cobblemon modpacks, custom SMPs | The Pixelmon Modpack / Reforged |
| Java | 17 or 21 (version-dependent) | 17 or 21 (version-dependent) |
How much RAM do they need?
A base Cobblemon server is fairly light; a full Cobblemon modpack (with extra content and QoL mods) is heavier. Pixelmon is a big pack in its own right. Size for your group's busy moments — lots of players spawning and battling Pokémon means lots of entities.
| Players | Cobblemon | Pixelmon | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 4 GB | 6 GB | Small co-op group. |
| 5–10 | 6 GB | 8 GB | Typical friend server. |
| 10–20 | 8 GB | 10 GB | Busy community; watch spawn density. |
| 20+ | 8–10 GB | 10–12 GB | Performance, not slots, is the ceiling. |
Setup steps
- Pick your side: Cobblemon (Fabric) or Pixelmon (Forge). You host one.
- Choose 6–8 GB RAM as a solid default for a group.
- Install the pack from the modpack installer — a Cobblemon pack, or the Pixelmon Modpack — or paste the CurseForge/Modrinth pack.
- MineXEngine detects the loader (Fabric for Cobblemon, Forge for Pixelmon) and selects the matching Java automatically.
- Set spawn settings and view-distance, add your whitelist, then start and let world-gen settle.
Common issues
- Loader confusion — installing Pixelmon mods on a Fabric server (or Cobblemon on Forge) won't work. Match the loader to the mod.
- Entity/spawn lag — Pokémon are entities; dial back spawn density in config on busy servers.
- Version mismatch — server and all clients must run the same Cobblemon/Pixelmon version, or players can't connect.
- Missing dependencies — Cobblemon needs Fabric API (and often Architectury); MineXEngine's pack install handles the dependency set.
MineXHost runs Cobblemon and Pixelmon servers on MineXEngine — our launcher auto-detects the modpack, picks the right Minecraft loader and Java version, tunes the JVM for your RAM, and auto-recovers from the crashes that normally end a modded server's evening. Pick your RAM, paste the pack, and play.
See hosting plansFrequently asked questions
Is Cobblemon or Pixelmon better for a server?
Neither is strictly better — Cobblemon is the newer, lighter Fabric mod (easier on RAM, actively growing), while Pixelmon is the long-established Forge one with a huge amount of content. Pick the one whose feel and content your group wants; you host one or the other, not both.
How much RAM does a Cobblemon server need?
A base Cobblemon server runs on about 4 GB for a small group and 6–8 GB for a busy one. A full Cobblemon modpack sits at the higher end. Pixelmon, being heavier, wants roughly 6–10 GB by group size.
What loader does Cobblemon use?
Cobblemon is primarily a Fabric mod (with NeoForge builds available), while Pixelmon runs on Forge. MineXHost's MineXEngine detects the loader your pack needs and pairs it with the correct Java version automatically.
Why is my Pokémon server lagging?
Pokémon are entities, and lots of players across many biomes can spawn a lot of them. Lower the spawn density or caps in the mod's config, keep view-distance modest, and pre-generate the world before adding RAM.